Community mourns local couple killed in Vt. crash

CADYVILLE | The community is coming together for the local couple and teens involved in a tragic deadly crash in Vermont. What began as a fun family outing took a devastating turn on Roosevelt Highway Friday evening, claiming the lives of 38-year-old Cadyville resident Kendall LeMay and 41-year-old Jacob Rivers of Plattsburgh. Police said the accident happened in the intersection of Coon Road, where the local mother's vehicle was hit by an oncoming car, causing a three-car crash that left those in LeMay's vehicle injured and trapped inside. Despite the efforts of Colchester area first responders, both LeMay and Rivers succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital. Two teens in LeMay's car were taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where LeMay's daughter was hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit and underwent emergency surgery. A 15-year-old passenger escaped the traumatic ordeal without serious physical injury. FUNDRAISERS UNDERWAY As their loved ones coped with the unexpected and far-reaching losses, the community quickly came together for LeMay's daughter, Reese, a freshman at Saranac Central School District. The 14-year-old underwent two surgeries in the following days and may need additional procedures. She has been surrounded by support from family, friends and her school community. "Along with the physical healing ahead, Reese faces an unimaginable emotional journey," said Joan Hozley, who, with the help of others, organized a Saturday, Feb. 21, cornhole tournament at Keeseville VFW to support the teen. "This benefit is being held to help ease some of the financial stress and allow her and her family to focus on healing during this incredibly difficult time." The tournament features a Michigan dinner, auction and raffle. Further details about the event and how to get involved can be found on the Facebook event page 'Throw for Reese!'. The dedicated local mother had deep ties across Clinton and Essex counties, including in AuSable Forks, where The Forks Blend & Brew has organized a fundraiser to help the hospitalized teen in the difficult days and years ahead. "Small towns are truly the best at coming together in times of need," cafe owners said as they reeled in the loss between the close-knit mother and daughter. Kendall grew up in AuSable Forks and on Valentine's weekend, Feb. 13-15, The Forks Blend & Brew will host a bake sale with all proceeds going directly to Reese and her recovery. A donation jar will also be available and a portion of drink sales will be added to the contribution. "With Valentine's weekend expected to be a busy one, this felt like the most fitting time to turn love into support. We're so thankful to have the space to combine community and kindness in a way that can truly make a difference," they said. "Thank you for helping us turn coffee and compassion into something meaningful for Reese." Parents of Reese's classmates organized a bracelet fundraiser in memory of Kendall and Jake and to assist with Reese's ongoing medical expenses while a GoFundMe created Tuesday aimed to help raise funds for her medical care, physical therapy and other unforeseen expenses. COUPLE REMEMBERED Classmates, local families and friends came together to raise support for the efforts Tuesday as services were being finalized for Kendall and Jacob. Jacob, a well-known local electrician and devoted father, was fondly remembered for his loyalty, strength and generosity. "Jake possessed the kindest heart, paired with the spirit of a fierce protector. If you were a friend to Jake once, you were a friend forever. Loyal, loud, and larger than life, he loved deeply and lived fully, creating memories that will be cherished by all who knew him," read his obituary from R.W. Walker Funeral Home. Jacob graduated from Beekmantown Central School in 2002 before continuing his education at Norwich University, where he dedicated himself to the university's wrestling team. He earned a degree in physical education before becoming a lifelong electrician and former electrical trades instructor at CV-TEC. He is survived by his parents, Steven and Cheryl Rivers; his sister, Megan Rivers; and his greatest pride and joy, his 14-year-old daughter, Addilyn Rivers, as well as many extended relatives across the area. Services for Jacob will be held Monday, Feb. 2 from 3-6 p.m. at R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Church in Plattsburgh. Kendall's arrangements are continuing to be finalized as her daughter remains hospitalized. This article will be updated with those details when the information becomes available.

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Community mourns local couple killed in Vt. crash

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